SQL Corrupt Database Recovery using Third Party Tool

SQL Recovery tool helps recovering damaged and corrupted SQL MDF and NDF files in the absence of SQL Server environment. It enables exporting recovered data to either ‘SQL Server Database’ or ‘SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts’. If the SQL database have become ‘Suspected’ or inaccessible; the tool enables to bring the database to an accessible mode.

Product Overall Information:

The SQL Database Recovery tool is developed by SysTools Software and the latest version of the product is 6.0. Size of the tool is 3.1 MB. The tool is available in Personal, Corporate, Technician and Enterprise editions and you can select any as per usage and requirements. All the above mentioned editions are available in trial as well as licensed versions.

Pre-Requisites for Download:

There are some pre-requisites required to successfully upload and operate the tool for recovering SQL files. These requirements include:

•    Operating System: Windows 8.1 and lower versions.
•    SQL Server: 2012, 2008, 2008 (R2), 2005, 2000.
•    Processor: 2.4 GHz system processor.
•    RAM: 1 GB memory required.
•    Hard Disk: 5 MB of free hard drive space.

Working Procedure of the Tool:

Initially, it is required to add SQL file to the tool panel and this can be done by clicking on the ‘Open’ option. 

Once the file is been selected, the tool offers to scan the file for checking corruption. It enables two different ways for scanning the file;

1. Select ‘Quick Scan’, if the selected file is minimal corrupted;
2. Select ‘Advance Scan’, if the level of corruption is higher.

After scanning the file, select the version of the MDF file by choosing an appropriate option from the given list.

Next, select ‘NDF Options’ tab and select if you want to add the associated NDF file automatically or manually. Multiple NDF files can be added or removed anytime from the panel. Then click on ‘OK’.

The tool will generate scan report with detailed summary of the selected file. Click on ‘Close’ button to close down the scan summary window.

Further, the tool will ask if you want to save the scan report. Click on ‘Yes’ to save the report on machine for future reference.

Then provide appropriate name for saving the scan report on local device and the report will be saved in STR file format.

Now, click on any of the components such as tables, stored procedures, rules, etc. and all the incorporated items will be displayed in the right pane of the tool.

Now, select ‘Export’ option in the navigation pane and follow the given procedure.

Afterwards, you can select to export the SQL database components including tables, triggers, indexes, etc. to either ‘SQL Server Database’ or ‘SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts’.

If you select to store data into SQL Server Database, it is required to provide SQL Server credentials such as ‘Server Name’; ‘Database Name’; ‘User Name’ and ‘Password’.

Next, all the items of the selected MDF file are displayed in the lower-left pane within the tool, select the checkboxes for the items that needs to be exported.

Select either of the given options to save the exported components and click on the ‘Export/ Save button.

1.                 ‘With only Schema’: It creates schema for the selected SQL MDF components.
2.                 ‘With Schema and Data’: It exports both schema and data for the selected table. 

         Select the destination location for saving the resultant file by either selecting an existing folder or creating a new folder.

If you choose to store output as ‘SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts’, the tool will display the storage location and the steps for accessing the resultant output.

Benefits Derived from the Tool:

•    Recover Corrupt Data: The SQL Recovery tool helps in recovering data from corrupted MDF files.
•   Recover Deleted Items: The Advance Scan mode helps recovering deleted data from SQL MDF as well as NDF files.
•   No Platform Dependency: The provision to save data into SQL Compatible scripts provides benefit for accessing mailbox components without SQL Server environment.
•   Preview Components: The mailbox components can be previewed in the absence of SQL Server as the platform is required only to export data.
•   Automatic File Detection: Auto-detect NDF option is beneficial if the source location for the secondary database files are unknown.
•    Export Selective Items: There is a provision to export selective items from MDF or NDF files and this feature helps in saving time and disk space.
•   Remove Errors from SQL Files: By bringing the files to accessible mode, the tool helps in bringing SQL database from SUSPECT state to normal mode.

Overall Analysis & Conclusion:

The MDF Recovery tool is an absolute solution to deal with corrupted files and restore recovered data on machine. The option to export data to SQL Server compatible scripts provide an opportunity to save and access it without dedicated platform. As the tool creates new files for data restoration, the original files does not get altered and retained on machine in its actual format. Moreover, the ability to generate preview allows accessing database components without restoration.